Menford had a passion for traditional ethnic foods- that is, not only eating them but growing them too. He was brought up in sub-tropical Zimbabwe before moving to non-tropical Sheffield, and was convinced there was a market for the likes of pumpkin leaves, maize and other vegetables. For four years he carried out trials- scientifically, meticulously recording his successes and failures in cultivating plants on small allotments around Sheffield. He created a small local network of customers over the years, hungry for more. In the summer of 2019, Menford was put in touch with Paul Hesp by Mitchells Accountants, looking for help in scaling up his ideas into a commercial business.

Menford was facing many challenges. How to raise funds? How ambitious to be? How to write a business plan? Where to find suitable land? Where to start?

PHMC provided Menford with a tailored, clear route map that would get his business started. A format was created for a formal Business Plan, and through a series of meetings at Menford's home the plans came together bit by bit. Paul challenged ideas, tested out concepts and pointed Menford to useful research sources. Within a matter of 3 months the Plan was finalised, along with realistic financial forecasts, and we were considering alternative funding sources to get the new business off the ground. Aiming for sales of £500k, Paul guided Menford through a successful negotiation to secure 9 acres of great quality land.

Moyo Fresh Farm Supplies, now a limited company, is busy (September 2020) harvesting its first bumper crop of white maize. The pumpkin leaves are popular, and black kale and cavolo nero too. Customers from Sheffield, Leeds and further afield are ordering regularly- both trade and consumers- and sales are ahead of target. The company van is busy making deliveries daily. Menford is bristling with ideas for future development too!

Take a look at Moyo's facebook page.